Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?

MATTHEW 12:5KJV
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Matthew 12:5 (KJV)

What does Matthew 12:5 mean?

Matthew 12:5 points out that, according to the law, priests in the temple perform duties on the Sabbath that would normally be considered breaking the Sabbath, yet they are not guilty of wrongdoing. Jesus uses this example to show that certain kinds of work are allowed on the Sabbath when serving God.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees, who were criticizing his disciples for picking grain on the Sabbath. He reminds them that the law itself allows priests to "profane" (do work on) the Sabbath in the temple and yet remain blameless. This challenges a narrow view of Sabbath rules and highlights that serving God can take priority over strict Sabbath rest.

The Greek behind Matthew 12:5

  • The word "profane" is from the Greek βεβηλόω (bebēloō), which means to treat as ordinary or to violate something sacred. Here, it refers to the priests doing work that would normally break Sabbath rules, but in the context of temple service, it is not considered sinful.
  • The word "blameless" is from the Greek ἀναίτιος (anaitios), meaning not guilty or without fault. This emphasizes that the priests are not condemned for their actions, even though they technically "break" the Sabbath.

Why Matthew 12:5 matters

  • Matthew 12:5 clarifies that the law itself recognizes exceptions to Sabbath restrictions, especially when it comes to serving God in the temple.
  • This verse helps correct the misunderstanding that all work is forbidden on the Sabbath, showing that the law is not meant to be applied in a rigid or legalistic way.
  • The verse sets up Jesus' larger point in the passage: that mercy, purpose, and the true intent of God's law are more important than strict rule-keeping.

Where else these words appear

“profane” Greek G953 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 24:6 Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.

“blameless” Greek G338 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 12:7 But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.

“ye” Greek G314 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 12:3 But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him;
  • Mark 13:14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not,(let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:
  • Acts 15:31 Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.

“priests” Greek G2409 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 8:4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
  • John 1:19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?
  • Hebrews 7:17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.